What's the Best Sheet Fabric for Summer? Top Cool, Breathable Materials

Key Takeaways

• Silk, especially the ultra-luxurious Grade 6A Mulberry kind, isn’t just fancy; it’s naturally cool, gentle on skin and hair, and perfect for those hot summer nights.

• Linen and cotton percale are also summer MVPs. They’re breezy, breathable, and wick away moisture like a charm, so you stay comfy all night

• Light-colored sheets actually help reflect heat, which means a cooler bed when the temps rise.

• Treat your sheets right, and they'll return the favor. A little care goes a long way in keeping them fresh, cool, and long-lasting.

• Mayfairsilk brings the luxury home with a gorgeous range of 100% pure Mulberry silk bedding, including sheets, pillowcases, eye masks, cushions, and custom goodies, all crafted to keep you cool, cozy, and sleeping in style.

Why Your Sheet Choice Makes or Breaks Summer Sleep

Getting good sleep in the summer starts with your sheets. Your body naturally cools down at night to help you drift off, but if your bedding traps heat, it can throw that whole process off. That’s when you start tossing, turning, and kicking off the covers, just trying to get comfortable.

That’s where summer-friendly sheets come in. They’re designed to help your body stay cool, even when the room feels stuffy. It’s like giving your skin room to breathe, creating a little climate of calm between you and the mattress.

And the difference is huge. With fewer wake-ups from night sweats or overheating, you’ll slip into deeper sleep and actually stay there. That means waking up feeling refreshed, sharper during the day, and even giving your immune system a boost, all from switching to the right sheets. 

Key Qualities of Summer Sheet Fabrics

• Breathability: Allows air to circulate, preventing heat buildup.

• Moisture-wicking: Draws sweat away from the skin to keep you dry.

• Lightweight: Feels airy and doesn’t cling to the body.

• Natural fibers: Often more breathable and hypoallergenic than synthetics.

Top Sheet Fabrics for Summer

1. Mulberry Silk

Mulberry silk sheets feel like sleeping on a cloud. They're breathable, super soft, and naturally help regulate your temperature, perfect for hot summer nights. They’re gentle on your skin and hair, too. The only catch is that they’re a bit of a splurge and need some care when washing.

These sleek, silver-toned mulberry silk sheets are incredibly breathable, soft on the skin, and ideal for keeping cool during hot summer nights.

2. Cotton Percale

If you like that crisp, hotel-sheet feel, cotton percale is your summer go-to. It’s light, breathable, and cool against your skin. Look for long-staple cotton and a lower thread count for the best airflow. They may wrinkle a bit, but they get softer with every wash.

3. Lyocell (TENCEL™)

Lyocell sheets are smooth, breathable, and eco-friendly. Made from wood pulp, they wick moisture like a pro and feel cool to the touch. Think of them as a modern upgrade to cotton: soft and sustainable, though a little pricier.

4. Linen

Linen is the MVP of summer bedding. It’s super breathable, absorbs tons of moisture, and keeps getting softer the more you use it. It does wrinkle easily and feels a bit rough at first, but it’s durable and cool, perfect if you run hot or live in a humid spot.

5. Bamboo Viscose

Bamboo sheets are a silky-soft, breathable option that’s great for sensitive skin. They help wick away sweat and stay cool in humid weather. Just make sure you’re getting a quality brand; some bamboo blends are more processed than others.

Thread Count Considerations for Summer Sheets

Thread count measures how many threads are woven into a square inch of fabric, but higher isn’t always better:

• Super high thread counts (600+) can trap heat, making them less ideal for summer.

• For cotton, a sweet spot is between 200 and 400: soft, breathable, and just right for warmer nights.

• Linen naturally has a lower thread count but makes up for it with incredible airflow and texture.

• Sateen sheets might feel silky-smooth, but they’re not the coolest choice when temps rise.

Color and Heat Reflection

Light-colored sheets are your best friend in the summer. They reflect sunlight and heat, keeping your bed cooler throughout the day. Dark shades do the opposite—they soak up warmth and can make things feel stuffy. If your bedroom gets a lot of sun, stick to whites, creams, or soft pastels for a fresher, cooler sleep.

Tips for Choosing the Best Summer Sheets

Keep your sheets in top shape with some simple care habits:

• Wash with gentle detergent and skip the fabric softeners; they can clog the fabric and reduce breathability.

• Use warm water for cotton and linen, but stick to cool washes for bamboo and silk.

• Air dry when you can, or use low heat to protect the fibers and keep that cozy softness.

• Fresh is best; wash pillowcases weekly and sheets every one to two weeks for comfort and fewer allergens.

The Perfect Summer Sleep Starts with Mayfairsilk

Summer sleep hits differently when your bedding works with the season, not against it. Mayfairsilk gives you that cool, breathable luxury with 100% pure, long-fiber mulberry silk. It’s the best grade out there, crafted with a smooth matte finish that feels just right, never too shiny, always elegant.

Mayfairsilk bedding set offers breathable comfort with a matte finish, keeping summer nights cool without the gloss.

From pillowcases to duvet covers and eye masks to cushion covers, everything is designed to feel like a treat. It’s all hand-finished in London, certified free from harsh chemicals, and, yes, machine washable.

Our silk is gentle on skin, great for hair, and naturally hypoallergenic. It helps regulate temperature, resists dust mites, and gets the green light from dermatologists and design lovers alike.

People choose Mayfairsilk because the quality speaks for itself: Grade 6A silk, 22 to 25 momme, an award-winning design, and featured in top interior guides. We’re all about comfort, sustainability, and craftsmanship that lasts.

Everything we make is made with care and designed to fit your style no matter if you want something classic or completely custom.

Ready to sleep cooler, softer, and better this summer? Try Mayfairsilk and feel the difference for yourself.

Shop our collections today!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How often should I wash summer sheets?

Hot nights mean more sweat, so give your sheets a weekly wash; twice if you’re a toasty sleeper. Clean sheets breathe better and feel way fresher. Rotating between a couple of sets keeps things crisp and extends their life.

Can I use the same sheets year-round?

You could, but you’ll sleep better with a seasonal switch-up. Summer calls for cool, breathable fabrics, while winter needs cozy insulation. If you stick to one set, go with cotton percale around 300–400 thread count; it’s the most adaptable.

What's the best thread count for hot sleepers?

Lower is cooler. Stick with 180–280 in cotton percale to let your sheets breathe and wick away moisture. Super high thread counts just trap heat

Are cooling sheets worth the investment?

Totally. They last for years, feel amazing, and help you sleep better (which means better days too). Plus, many cool quickly in the wash and are eco-friendly. It’s comfort and value in one.

What products does Mayfairsilk offer?

Mayfairsilk has a full lineup of luxury silk goodies, from bed linen and pillowcases to eye masks, cushion covers, and even kids’ silk bedding. Everything is made from 100% pure Grade 6A Mulberry silk for that ultimate soft, cool, and elegant sleep experience.